I know there is an "Other" option, but even just going by points, you have outstanding rookies like Anze Kopitar, Matt Carle, Dustin Penner and Paul Stastny that aren't included. Evgeni Malkin had a great start but has since faded.

My vote for best START goes to Matt Carle (probably biased because I'm a Sharks fan, but the stats don't lie). Only 3 rookies average more ice time, he leads all rookies in +/- and as a defenseman, is tied with Malkin for second as the leading point-getter. He won the Hoby Baker award (last year I believe, maybe two years ago) as the MVP in the NCAA, so he's no fluke. This guy will be a top-line defenseman most of his career.

I know most people are going to say Malkin because of all the publicity and hype that has surrounded his rookie year but he's not the only one doing well so far.

Hey admin, props on cleaning up the polls here. Like babs was sayign they were getting a bit messy. These froums have really picked up lately and I personally love what you guys have done. Ok enough brown nosing...

I took Kopitar in one of my pools and he has not let me down. Carle is also performing well, and Malkin is a beast. Although Malkin will probably win, this years crop has not disappointed me.

Guest8977 ( )

Posted - 11/18/2006 : 13:06:51

Okay this guy's poll sucks like hell, he dosen't even know what he's doing, I chose the other option since its the only one that makes sense, mike smith? ian white? learn more about good rookies, I'd say Thoreson just cuz he's an oiler, as a matter or fact, i'm gonna make another poll myself.

It's hard not to pick Malkin for this one, even if he does not finish as the top scoring rookie (which he should, catching up fast!) his contribution to Pittsburghs somewhat decent start cannot go unnoticed, all I can say is it will not be a d-man or a goalie this year!

My oppinion is that Kopitar is best rookie this year. Everybody just looks at the point diff and votes Malkin. But have u watched Kopitar play. He is practically holding his whole team out there and trying to make them play. If he had as srong teammates as Malkin has i'm sure he would have 20 points plus. LA has better shot diff almost every game but they loose almost every game.

read this:By Joy Russo, ESPN.com"Malkin has an abundance of talent around him (Sidney Crosby, who just so happens to be the best player in the league right now), and the scoring chances are there for the taking, night in and night out. The Atlantic Division hasn't exactly been as difficult this season, either, with the Devils emerging as the only other consistent team as of late. Malkin's team is also in the playoff hunt.

Kopitar, meanwhile, is the lone hope, the only ray of light the Los Angeles Kings have had all season. In what can politely be called a "rebuilding period" for the Kings, Kopitar is averaging 20:35 in ice time as a first-line center. He's third in team scoring and leads all rookies with 32 assists. All this, while the Kings try to survive in the packed Pacific Division with the Ducks, Sharks and Stars, all of whom are in playoff position. Are fans and writers out East really aware of what this kid can do?"

We think former Kings coach Andy Murray said it best: "If Kopitar would have been here last year, I would still be the coach in L.A."

Well that's just the thing, the teams and staff in the East don't really get to see what he can do because of the schedule. Malkin is simply the easy pick here because he has the most points and because he had so much publicity to start with. I can appreciate what Kopitar can do because my Sharks play him a lot so it's easy to notice his impact. It's too bad, Malkin had such a head start and even though Kopitar is right on his tail, he won't get the Calder.